Manchester United conceded two goals inside 26 minutes before turning on the style and sealing a huge comeback in a 3-2 win.
Erik ten Hag’s side returned to Old Trafford following a 2-0 defeat away at West Ham to make it four matches without a win, but got off to a torrid start against the in-form Villans.
John McGinn’s free-kick evaded a number of defenders and attackers in the box before creeping in past Andre Onana on 21 minutes.
Just five minutes later, Clement Lenglet headed yet another McGinn set-piece and found Leander Dendoncker, who then poked in.
United have the best winning record on Boxing Day and it looked as their run was set to come to an end.
However, Alejandro Garnacho kickstarted the comeback in the second-half after seeing his original strike ruled out for offside.
He then pulled his side level a few minutes after the hour mark as Villa lost control of the game and let United back in.
Rasmus Hojlund scored his first Premier League goal in the 82nd minute to complete what was a spirited turnaround.
Their second-half performance was a drastic improvement on the first-half, with United very much second best in all aspects of the match.
Villa fan celebrations after their second goal even turned to jeers as they could be heard chanting to Ten Hag: “You’re getting sacked in the morning.”
Pressure has been building on the Dutchman and his side in recent weeks amid a poor run of results and series of performances.
The visit of Villa certainly looked as though it would do very little to help their situation but United stayed strong and came from behind to seal a huge three points.
Their victory takes them up to 6th in the Premier League for the time being and ensures their winless run has finally come to an end.
